When Joseph Yarsqwich first showed up at the Life Designs ReAbility Center in Shelton, all he could do was sleep.
Yarsqwich, 63, of Shelton, had just suffered a stroke that almost killed him. He was confined to a wheelchair. He could not use his left arm. He was blind in his left eye.
Now, some five years later — progress.
He’s able to walk about 80 feet with the help of a walker. Yarsqwich can also ride a stationary bike for 30 minutes, sometimes more.
It’s because of the hours of grueling physical work at Life Designs, a rehabilitation facility on Center Street for people who have suffered strokes, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and the like.
“This is my job,” Yarsqwich said. “I come in here and I exercise every day so that my wife doesn’t have to work herself to death taking care of me. Right now I’m 100 percent dependent on her.”
Paying for the rehabilitation work isn’t easy, but the burden has been lessened because of MovingWithHOPE, the gym’s nonprofit offshoot. It uses donations to offset client costs.
Both Life Designs and MovingWithHOPE are operated by Tad Duni, a longtime Shelton businessman.
Life Designs started in Milford in 1983, but then later moved to Shelton.
MovingWithHOPE started in 2010.
MovingWithHOPE makes it easier for people to continue their therapy after a major injury. It also provides transportation through Valley Transit.
The goal is to help people keep their independence, and to stay in their respective communities. The nonprofit helps about 70 people.
For the second year in a row, MovingWithHOPE is holding a fundraising event called “Bike for HOPE.”
“Bike for HOPE” is scheduled for Saturday, May 23 at 8 a.m. in Veterans Memorial Park in Shelton.
The proceeds will go toward supporting the non-profit foundation.
“We raised about $27,000 last year,” Duni said. “This year we hope to raise $30,000 or $35,000. Hopefully with this effort we will be able to attract some more money from other donors.”
MovingWithHOPE’s Paul Stefano said he hopes the event will raise enough money to buy more equipment and to bring people into their facility.
“Bike for HOPE” will feature 10-mile, 25-mile, and 50-mile rides.
The 10-mile ride will start at 7 a.m., the 25-mile ride will start at 8 a.m., and the 50-mile ride will start at 10 a.m. at the corners of Canal and Cornell streets in Shelton.
People can ride at their own pace. It’s not a race.
Same day registration starts at 6:30 a.m. There is a $35 registration fee and a $50 minimum fundraising fee.
If you would like to pre-register, you can do so on the event’s website or call 203 – 513-8424.
